ESD Packaging Selection Guide
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can instantly damage electronic components and cause latent failures; that’s why it’s important for people working with electronics to protect devices and other components from ESD. Even though this is a well-known problem, industry experts associated with the ESD Association estimate that somewhere between 8% and 33% of products are lost due to ESD. The majority of these losses are entirely preventable with proper storage and handling.
Using ESD-rated storage solutions and other ESD preventative measures may cost a little upfront, but it will save you in the long run. Read on for more information about packaging and other tools to protect your work and expensive devices from ESD in this handy guide.
Industry Standards for ESD
Look for any of the following industry standards when purchasing ESD protective equipment — depending on your needs, your ESD protective equipment should meet these standards.
- ANSI/ESD STM11.11 – Recommends the surface resistance of storage materials be between 106 and 109 ohms
- MIL-STD 3010 – Sets the testing standards for package durability, including thickness and puncture-ability
- ASTM F1249 – Denotes the standard test method to detect water vapor transmission
- FTMS 101C/4046 – Is the standard testing method for detecting the amount of corrosion a material will undergo
Bags and Pouches
ESD deterrent bags and pouches are the most common ways to protect devices from ESD. The type of bag you need will depend on what you are using it for and how you plan to transport the bag and object inside in the future. When selecting bags and pouches, consider the following:
- What is going inside the bag; what are the dimensions; is it fragile, and is it sharp enough to damage the bag?
- Is moisture a concern?
- Do you need bags that self-seal?
- Where will you be storing the bags and items inside?
With this information at the ready, you will be able to determine which of the six common types of ESD bags and pouches will best fit your needs.
Metal-In Shielding Bags
These bags have a metal layer (typically aluminum) in between two layers of plastic that creates a faraday cage that protects the contents within the bag when the material meets a charge. The plastic layer on the outside is designed to dissipate static encountered in the environment. They come in many sizes and are most commonly used for PCBs for their level of protection and durability. These types of bags have a metallic sheen and are see-through.
Metal-Out Shielding Bags
These bags are similar to the metal-in type; only the metal layer is on the outside of the bag. In this situation, the metal rapidly discharges any static, instantly repelling it from the bag’s contents, and you can not see through them. This bag type may not be suitable for RF field-sensitive items.
Moisture Barrier Bags (MBB Type)
MBB, or moisture barrier bags, offer ESD protection in conjunction with moisture protection. Labs or workshops in high-humidity environments should consider these bags for storing devices. The high and low barrier characterization refers to the amount of moisture control the bag provides. You can also purchase humidity indicator cards to help you determine if your environment requires these types of bags and to help you know when it’s time to refresh your bags.
Bubble Shielding or Cushioned Bags
These bags offer faraday cage-induced protection and physical protection from damage upon impact in the way bubble wrap does.
Conductive Black Bags
These bags contain low-density compounds and a black conductive compound to make a durable ESD reflecting material, most often used for shipping and longer-term storage.
Once your bags arrive, it’s important to test them. Sometimes bags can arrive compromised. It’s also a great idea to mark your bags with electrostatic awareness labels so that people know to handle the bags with care.
Sealing Your Bags
You can buy self-sealing bags or bags that you must seal on your own. To seal bags, you can use ESD protective tape or a heat sealer for bags that allow it. Heat sealers are used in many industries and, in this case, are not much different from something you would find in food production; they can also come with and without cutting mechanisms. When sealing bags with components, ensure ample room to fold the bag material over and seal it without damaging the contents. About 50 extra mm of material is recommended for his process.
Other ESP Protective Equipment
Other equipment includes desiccant packs, static shield films, static shield bubble wrap, conductive containers, foams, antistatic bench mats, antistatic clothing, and wristbands. There are many options for you and your company to protect against ESD damage. Get a good understanding of what you need and work to protect yourself today.
How TestEquity Can Help
TestEquity offers a wide variety of compliant packing and other ESD protective materials. If you are looking for suitable bags and are unsure which ones to choose, their knowledgeable sales representatives can help. Contact TestEquity today with your ESD protective equipment needs or easily order online and have your bags or pouches quickly.
